For almost half a century, USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber has always been there for divers when they needed help 24/7/365. And once a year, it is time for divers to go to its help on Catalina Champer Day fundraiser. Scuba Schools of America also has the plan to take divers to Chamber Day 2023 dive to have an exciting diving experience, get more familiar with the USC Catalina Chamber, get some gifts, and most importantly, support our favorite chamber.
Catalina Chamber Day 2023 Dive
Chamber Day happens annually, but the date changes every year. The event usually starts in the morning and ends in the evening. This year, divers are gathering together once again on May 3, 2023, to have some thrilling dives in some of the dive spots in SoCal.
What Is Our Plan for Chamber Day?
There are seven dive boats, including our Pacific Star, that take enthusiastic divers to underwater dive spots in SoCal to have a day of fun. However, the boats will not be at their full capacity as the Chamber has decided to limit the loads.
There will be two dives for each boat at Catalina Island with accomplished guides.
After (or before) the dives, divers will be taken on a 75-minute walking tour of the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. On this tour, we will get familiar with some of the first responders who have assisted and rescued many divers in emergencies as well as the chamber’s facilities. This will add a good deal to your experience as a diver.
The trip will start at 7 a.m. on May 3. In other words, the Pacific Star leaves at 7 a.m. at our dock (see the directions here). Please try to be there half an hour earlier (6:30 a.m.) for loading.
We plan to arrive on Santa Catalina Island at 8:30 a.m. and immediately start our dives and the chamber visit tour. We also expect to be back before 5:30 pm.
Chamber Day’s Cost
The trip costs $150 for each diver and includes tanks and weights, two meals (breakfast and lunch), snacks, and different beverages (including water, tea, hot chocolate, and coffee). This does not include the boat tip. So, we recommend you bring some cash for the tips.
Don’t forget this is a fundraising event for the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, and all the money you will spend is going to support the chamber.
What Should Divers Bring?
First of all, the event is only for certified divers. So, please do not sign up if you are not qualified.
All divers should bring the items below to the Chamber Day 2023 dive.
- Their freediving or SCUBA certification card,
- Their dive logbook,
- Their dive equipment, including wetsuit, BCD, snorkel, mask, regulator, open heel fins, and weights (you can also rent dive gears from SSA for an additional fee),
- Suitable clothes for the boat ride (you will need warm clothing for sure),
- Any forms of sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hats),
- Your favorite food or snack.
Reminder: As the weather is unpredictable, the event might be canceled or rescheduled if the captain sees best. It is not refundable.
What Will You Take Home from Chamber Day 2023?
Except for the rewarding act of supporting a good cause, gaining some experience, and having fun, you will also get yourself a payoff at the end of the day. The gifts include
- Some Raffle tickets to win some prizes
- A Chamber Day 2023 T-shirt
Our Dive Boat, The Pacific Star
As mentioned above, we will take this trip on the Pacific Star Dive Boat Liveaboard. Our great 67-foot boat is spacious and comfortable, especially on this trip, thanks to the limited capacity.
It is safe, licensed, and equipped with anything that a diving trip might need, such as a filling station for Safe Air, Nitrox, and Trimix, and a Zodiac fast rescue boat.
To see some pictures and learn more about our Pacific Star, see here.
Tips to Remember for Any Dive Trip
Even if you have been on many dive travels, still the tips below may prove useful.
- Always check the temperature, both for the weather and the water, and pack accordingly.
- Except for your Certification and logbook, have a copy of your other IDs. It is always a good idea to email an image of them to yourself to access them easily.
- If it has been a long time since your last dive, take a refresher diving course before the trip.
- Pack only the necessary stuff.
- Take some plastic bags for the wet equipment.
- It is better to have your own equipment than dive gear rentals.
- Remember to take your medications and make sure you have had the necessary vaccines.
- If you want to rent diving equipment, it is better to book it before the trip.
- Mind your diet and reduce your alcohol intake before diving.
- Try to get more familiar with your diving partners and the dive master.
- Learn about the trip’s plan and stick to it.
Why Support USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber
The University of Southern California is home to Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber since 1974. The Chamber is an emergency medical facility that has been assisting and rescuing divers for half a century now. Its team of highly skilled rescuers and first responders are always the first to arrive at diving accidents in Southern California. They are ready to offer proper treatment to injured divers 24/7/365.
Diving might be easy for some divers, but it is certainly not safe for even the most talented and experienced ones. The underwater is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. Injuries and accidents are unavoidable. And this makes having a facility like Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber a necessity. However, it is not just on-site treatments.
The most common severe diving injuries are Decompression Sickness (when dissolved gases cause the creation of bubbles in the body tissues and blood when the pressure decreases) and Air Embolism (when air enters the blood vessels from the lungs). These conditions must be properly treated both on the site of the accident and later. Otherwise, the diver is at risk of becoming disabled for life or even death. Experts at the Chamber are those we can count on and trust in these circumstances.
Educational Courses at the Hyperbaric Chamber
Except for the medical services, there are some courses to improve divers’ knowledge to know what to do in case of diving emergencies. They may save their own lives or others. ‘Emergency Dive Accident Management’ is one such educational program.
Because of its invaluable work for the Southern California Diving Community and its significant role in the education and rescue of divers, it is essential to support the Chamber. Joining the annual Chamber Day fundraising dive is an enjoyable way to do so.
Learn more about our Chamber Day 2023 dive event on May 3 by a phone call.
Join Us for More Trips with Scuba Schools of America
Every year, we schedule local and international trips for diving and boat adventures. Our SSI Certified Instructors are always on board to make sure everything is done according to the standards. Our staff also works hard to create a pleasant and stress-free atmosphere for our guests.
Check out our upcoming local trips and our international trips. Feel free to give us a call should you have any questions about these trips.
